Hanwha Group is moving to identify scientific talent to build a sustainable tomorrow. Hanwha Group said on March 3 it will hold “Hanwha Science Challenge 2026,” a science competition for high school students. The theme is “Saving the Earth,” with participants competing with creative ideas to boost the planet’s sustainability through scientific approaches. Applications are accepted from March 3 to April 8 via the official website.

Hanwha Science Challenge began in 2011 from Chairman Kim Seung-youn (김승연)’s vision to nurture young Korean Nobel science prize winners. Over the past 15 years, about 18,000 students have taken part. In the 2025 competition, 758 teams (1,516 people) competed, up about 30 percent from a year earlier.

The competition is open to teams of 2 high school students and 1 supervising teacher. Joint teams across schools or multiple teams from the same school are also allowed. After 2 rounds of preliminary screening, 20 teams will be selected for the final round. The final round will be held for 2 days starting Aug. 12, and the awards ceremony will take place on Aug. 14.

Total prize money is 200 million won. It will award scholarships and prizes worth a total of 200 million won, including 40 million won for the grand prize (1 team), 20 million won each for gold prizes (2 teams) and 10 million won each for silver prizes (2 teams). An overseas study tour programme will be provided to 5 teams (10 people) that win silver prize or higher.